In May, Astell announced the addition of an effluent sterilization system to its product line. These self contained plants are designed to treat contaminated liquid waste. They are sufficiently effective for use at category 3 and 4 labs. Waste water from designated lab areas in such facilities must be sterilized before discharge into the sewer to comply with environmental regulations. The Astell treatment equipment can be structured to handle capacities of up to 5,000 liters per day. The containment tank receives incoming effluent from sinks and bathrooms. It can also be used to handle exhaust and water discharged from instrument sterilizers and autoclaves.

Astell engineers deliver customized proposals to potential clients after an initial site survey. Delivery and installation are included as part of the company’s commitment to full project assistance. The equipment is also validated to ensure that the performance of the treatment plant meets specifications. Training is included for staff and end users. Ongoing technical support and maintenance is also provided. The manufacturer accepts jobs for treatment tanks starting at a 100 liter per day capacity. Their broad range of solutions allows smaller research facilities to have access to the same quality of equipment available for large scale production applications.

The stainless steel jacketed tank contains a radar level controller. This device monitors the level of liquid waste and begins the sterilization process when the tank is full. Hot steam is used to treat the batch of effluent. The steam can be provided by a built-in generator or piped in from an existing source elsewhere in the lab. Sterilized waste water is carried out of the containment area into the drainage system on a stream of pressurized air. A two tank set up can be provided for facilities that require continuous sterilization. This reduces delays by ensuring that there is always available capacity to receive incoming effluent.

These treatment plants are designed to minimize leaks. To achieve this, the tank connections are all constructed above the water line. Filtered ventilation keeps microbes contained so they don’t contaminate the work environment. User friendly features include a full color touch screen with a PIN protected controller. Cycles can be programmed to meet the operator’s requirements. Data archiving and networking is also provided.

More About Astell

This manufacturer boasts a 100 year history in the design and production of sterile processing equipment. They currently offer a full line of products for pharmaceutical, medical, and research applications. The company also serves the water testing industry and a variety of food processing clients. Astell will be exhibiting in Dusseldorf at the Medica show in November.

In addition to effluent treatment systems, the company’s product line includes sterilizers and autoclaves. These are sold in sizes from 30 to 1,000 liters. Swiftlock top loading and front loading varieties are available in vacuum and non-vacuum models. Square section autoclaves are also advertised. Astell provides steam generators for general laboratory use or to supply sterilizers.

If your laboratory requires a top of the line autoclave, find out which models have what it takes. Our free report provides critical information for your purchasing decision.